Growing up I saw my mother do everything as if she was a single parent and I never understood why my father didn’t do more, even though he was right there in the house. I realized that I’ve been carrying my mother’s frustration and pain and it has lead me to feel like I’m responsible for her well-being and happiness over my own. Even though she doesn’t expect this, I can’t help but want better for her because she truly deserves it. The worst part is how in denial our fathers are to how their actions affect us in the short and long term. However, I’ve made peace with the fact that I cannot change how my father thinks and behaves so I’ve let go of my expectations from him and have accepted him for who he is. This has helped me to have my own peace of mind and move on with my life with grace.